DALLAS-- Kirby Smart wanted to bring Scott Cochran with him to Georgia but said Monday he's "happy" his close friend decided to stay in Alabama.

Cochran was initially expected to follow Smart to Athens but ultimately decided to stay put. He is considered one of the nation's top strength and conditioning coaches and is well known for his "Yeah Yeah Yeah" encouragements during Alabama football games.

"I'm happy for Scott," Smart said. "Scott's got a great opportunity to stay at a great place. Scott and I are good family friends. I'm happy for Scott. That's a decision he had to make."

Cochran made $420,000 this season and is expected to receive a pay bump after staying in Tuscaloosa. After Cochran made his decision, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he was "very happy" his strength coach didn't leave.

"He's an important part of our program and does an outstanding job," Saban said. "The players really respond to him, and his role has been a big part of what we have been able to accomplish in terms of our success here both on and off the field."

Smart has also hired an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach but said Monday he wasn't focusing on filling out the rest of his staff so he can focus on preparing for Michigan State. Smart decided to stay through the conclusion of Alabama's season before moving full-time to his new gig at Georgia.

"I don't think I want to put a timeline on that," Smart said about finalizing his staff. "It's not something I'm worried about. Again, right now I'm not even dealing with that. I'm dealing with Michigan State 24/7 it's the most important thing to me, it's the most important thing to these kids. There will be time for that and a place for that and we are moving toward that."